Charles J. “Chuck” Nathe, 58

Charles J. “Chuck” Nathe, age 58 of New Munich, died peacefully surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at his home in New Munich, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 14 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich with Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Military Honors provided by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

Charles Joseph Nathe was born September 11, 1954 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Leo and Dorothy (Younkin) Nathe. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1972 and served in the U.S. Army from 1973 through 1977. On May 27, 1978 he married Barbara Essler at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Chuck worked at Landy Packing Company from 1977 through 1985 and then began working as a truck driver at Jennie-O Foods for 28 years. Chuck lived in Melrose from 1978 through 1989 until moving into his home in New Munich.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. Chuck was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, gardening, deer hunting and fishing. He truly enjoyed his job and loved spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Chuck also enjoyed his trips with his brothers and sisters-in law, especially the trips to Duluth. He also loved a good talk of politics, if you were on the same page as he was.

Survivors include his wife, Barb Nathe of New Munich; children, Jolene Engebretson of New Munich, Joseph Nathe of New Munich, and Jeffrey Nathe (Nichole LeClaire) of New Munich; grandchildren, Shelby, Ellie, Bobbi Rae, John, Tyler, Isabella, Theresia and Olivia; brothers and sisters, Helen Fritzlar of Sauk Centre, Ruth Ann (Robert) Rieland of Sauk Centre, Donna (Eugene) Illies of Elrosa, James (Anne) Nathe of Osakis, Frank Nathe of Sugar Hill, GA, Alfred (Clara) Nathe of Melrose and William (Georgine) Nathe of Freeport; son-in-law, John “JR” Engebretson, Jr. of New Richmond, WI; sister-in-law, Debra Essler of Melrose; and many nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; three infant brothers; brothers-in-law, Harold Fritzlar and Eugene Essler; and sister-in-law, Eileen Nathe.

Serving as casket bearers will be John Klein, John Broermann, Jeremy Rieland, Ryan Pundsack, Jeff Middendorf, and Dave Sauer. Cross bearer will be William Nathe and scripture bearer will be Dave Rieland.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.